We’ve been all waiting for Toy Story 4 to hit theaters, to see where Pixar will take the toys we grew up with next. Other than grabbing a pack of tissues before you run out the door, you need to be prepared to be on the look out for great Easter Eggs throughout the movie.
Not familiar with what Easter Eggs are? They are hidden throughout the movie as nods to their other movies, important people who created the movie and of course the classroom where most of the animators got their start. Last year when we visited Pixar, we were told there are always some standard Easter Eggs that get tossed into the mix including the Pizza Planet truck (from the original Toy Story movie), the Luxo Ball, A113 (the animation classroom at the California Institute of the Arts) and if you can spot it a stylized poster or image of the next Pixar to be released.
Watching Toy Story 4, I sat there with a piece of paper ready to write down any and all Easter Eggs I caught through the movie. They have said you could pause the movie anywhere and find an Easter Egg. Normally, to find several I have to watch the movie over and over again. But during our early screening, I found some that you should be on the look out for while you watch the movie.
So here are some of the Easter Eggs we found throughout the movie – we will try to add screen shots of them when we can!
These will probably also add to the Pixar Theory that all of the movies are connected!
***Warning – Possible minor spoilers ahead!***
Dinoco Gas
Before setting off on their road trip, Bonnie and her family fuel up their RV at Dinoco Gas. This is of course a nod to the Cars franchise and the fuel used throughout that series. Later you can see the Dinoco Dinosaur emblem used as they pass another gas station.
Dinoco Gas is also a not so subtle nod to the old Sinclair gas stations that use to pepper Route 66, the inspiration for the world of Cars.
Grape Soda Bottle Cap
Billy, Goat and Gruff bring a Grape Soda Bottle Cap to Bo Beep.
If you’re a fan of UP you know the significance of this bottle cap – it’s the pin that Ellie gives to Carl. It’s also the same one that we see at the end with Russel and Carl. It’s a nod to the innocence of childhood but also the importance of small things. This Grape Soda cap is a symbol of love between the characters as well. To see this little nod to one of the most emotional movies Pixar has created was a sweet tribute in the movie, even if it goes quickly.
Pizza Planet Truck
The Pizza Planet truck dates back to the first Toy Story movie and one we expected to be back in it’s original form in the movie. Now, we may have missed it through all of the cars on the highway and through the movie. But there were nods throughout the movie of the iconic pizza chain.
Be on the look out for the Pizza Planet Truck on some of the carnival rides as well as prizes at the booths. You can even see them in on some of the characters clothing.
Coco Guitar
There’s no denying that the Cordoba Guitar was one of the most iconic throughout the movie Coco. It’s what brought Miguel to the Land of the Dead and inspired his love of music. And it’s also got a nod in Toy Story 4. Be on the look out for it on the prize wall next to Bunny and Ducky and you can spot it for kids to win as they play the game.
Chinese Takeout Box
This one may need to be added to the standard list pretty soon here – you can find these Chinese Take Out boxes not only in Toy Story 4, but Inside Out, Monsters Inc and even The Incredibles franchises. There may be some delicious food in these boxes, but they seem to be a staple throughout the whole Pixar Universe.
Monsters U Penant
This one was just a little fleeting, and the colors were a little off when we saw it but we’re pretty sure the Antique Store has a Monsters University Pennant for sale in the shop in the mix of other of college pennants hanging up. Obviously a nod to the scariest school of them all!
Unfortunately, with the exception of one, I missed out on some of the standard ones throughout the film – but if you spot them please let me know where they are! We can’t wait to see Toy Story 4 in theaters again so we can find all of the hidden gems for fans!
Please share your Easter Egg finds with us!
Toy Story 4 is in theaters everywhere on June 21st!
Woody and the rest of the toys are back for an all-new adventure in “Toy Story 4,” welcoming new friends to Bonnie’s room, including a reluctant new toy called Forky. “Like most people, I assumed that ‘Toy Story 3’ was the end of the story,” said director Josh Cooley. “And it was the end of Woody’s story with Andy. But just like in life, every ending is a new beginning. Woody now being in a new room, with new toys, and a new kid, was something we have never seen before. The questions of what that would be like became the beginning of an entertaining story worth exploring.”
But Forky insists that he is NOT a toy! An actual spork-turned-craft-project, Forky is pretty sure that he doesn’t belong in Bonnie’s room. Unfortunately, every time he tries to get away, someone yanks him back into an adventure he’d rather skip. “The world of Toy Story is built upon the idea that everything in the world has a purpose,” said Cooley. “A toy’s purpose is to be there for its child. But what about toys that are made out of other objects? Forky is a toy that Bonnie made out of a disposable spork, so he’s facing a crisis. He wants to fulfill his purpose as a spork, but now has a new toy purpose thrust upon him.”
Filmmakers called on comedian Tony Hale to provide the voice of Forky. “It’s a huge thrill to be part of the Toy Story family,” he said. “But it’s going to take a while for it to really sink in.”
Said Cooley, “When we thought up this character, Tony was the first actor that came to mind and I’m thrilled he accepted. Tony’s performance as Forky is a comedy salad of confidence, confusion, and empathy… served by hilarious spork.”
How were filmmakers able to convince Hale to give voice to Forky? “A utensil’s existential crisis?” he asked. “I’m in!”
Find Toy Story 4 Online: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
Teaser Trailer:
Reaction Video:
ABOUT “TOY STORY 4”:
Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”), Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.
